Irresistible Butterfinger Caramel Cookies: A Bakery Treat to Love
Sweet Melt-in-Your-Mouth Delight
Hola, food lovers! Growing up in the heat of Florida infused with Mexican vibes means my heart is a beautiful blend of rich spices and sweet magic. Each kitchen memory reflects laughter and love, from pressing tortillas alongside my mama to absorbing culinary wisdom from my abuela. In those tender moments, I learned that food tells stories—stories wrapped in dough and baked with love. Here, I share a comforting recipe for No Chill Butterfinger Caramel Cookies, perfect for anyone looking to indulge in a delightful, chocolaty experience that also warms the soul. Let’s mix sweet with a pinch of fun!
Quick Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: American-Mexican Fusion
- Best Season: Year-round
What Makes This Dish Shine
- Decadent Flavor Explosion: These cookies combine the crunchy sweetness of Butterfinger with rich, gooey caramel, resulting in a layered flavor experience that’s simply unforgettable.
- Fast and Simple to Make: No chill time means you can whip these up in less than 30 minutes, perfect for those last-minute treats or unexpected guests.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy night in, a gathering with friends, or a holiday celebration, these cookies are sure to steal the spotlight and bring smiles all around.
- Satisfies All Ages: With a perfect balance of flavors and textures, these cookies are loved by children and adults alike—great for sharing or keeping all to yourself!
Must-Have Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup chopped Butterfinger candy bars
- 1/2 cup caramel bits or soft caramel candies, chopped
- 1/2 cup toffee bits (optional)
Ingredient Insights
- Butter: Use room temperature unsalted butter for the best texture and flavor. Cold butter will not cream well, leading to denser cookies.
- Brown Sugar: The use of brown sugar here adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor, enhancing the overall sweetness of the cookies.
- Eggs: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature too. This helps them blend into the dough evenly, creating a well-mixed batter.
- Caramel Bits: If you can’t find caramel bits, soft caramel candies cut into small pieces work just as well.
Step-By-Step Journey to Deliciousness
- Prepare Your Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
- Creaming Time: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for the cookies’ texture.
- Egg Incorporation: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, which will enhance the cookies’ aromatic profile.
- Dry Ingredients Uniting: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Candy Addition: Carefully fold in the chopped Butterfinger bars, caramel bits, and optional toffee bits. This is where the magic really happens—feel free to sneak a bite of the candies!
- Dough Distribution: Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. They will spread as they bake.
- Baking Bliss: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look just set. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
- Cooling Period: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the tempting aromas wafting through your kitchen!
- Savor the Moment: Once cooled, serve and indulge! Each bite delivers a delightful taste of childhood wonder.
Tips to Make It Easier
- Watch Your Time: Don’t overbake! Cookies continue to cook slightly after baking, so it’s better to underbake them for a softer center.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: Using a cookie scoop helps in achieving uniform sizes, ensuring even baking and presentation.
- Flavor Enhancements: Experiment with additions like sea salt sprinkled on top before baking for a sweet-salty combo that takes these cookies over the top.
Tasty Twists and Variations
- Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and replace eggs with flax eggs for a delicious vegan treat that doesn’t sacrifice taste.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of cinnamon to the dough to introduce a subtle warmth that complements the sweetness.
- Chocolate Lovers: Mix in chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the baked cookies for a more intense chocolatey flavor.
- Seasonal Additions: Around the holidays, toss in some crushed peppermint for a festive twist or dried fruits for a chewy, fruity bite.
What Pairs Perfectly With These Cookies
- Milk: The classic choice, a glass of cold milk enhances each sweet, caramel-laden bite.
- Coffee or Espresso: The bitter notes of coffee contrast beautifully with the sweet cookies, making for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.
- Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent sundae treat.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Ideas
To prep these delectable cookies ahead of time, you can prepare the dough and freeze it in scooped portions. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. When you crave freshly baked cookies, bake directly from frozen, adding an extra couple of minutes to the baking time!
Plating and Presentation Ideas
Serve these cookies on a beautiful platter, perhaps with a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for a touch of elegance. For a cozy gathering, arrange them on a rustic wooden board alongside a pot of coffee or a festive punch.
Kitchen Secrets
- Chill the Dough: For those who love a thicker cookie, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can prevent excessive spreading.
- Ingredient Freshness: Always check the freshness of your baking soda and flour for optimal results. Expired ingredients can lead to flat cookies.
- Taste Test Before Baking: Allow yourself a small taste of the dough; this will give you an idea of the final sweetness and flavor balance.
Keeping Cookies Fresh
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to maintain their chewy texture, place a slice of bread in the container, which helps retain moisture.
Common Questions Answered
- Can I use different candy bars? Yes! Feel free to swap Butterfinger with other candy bars like Snickers for a unique flavor.
- Why did my cookies spread too much? Too much butter or the dough being too warm can cause spreading. Ensure your butter is softened but not melting.
- Can I double this recipe? Absolutely! Just make sure to mix in a large enough bowl to accommodate the larger batch.
- How do I know if the cookies are done? Look for golden edges and slightly soft centers; they will continue to cook once removed from the oven.
- Can I freeze the baked cookies? Yes! Baked cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
- What’s the best way to reheat cookies? Microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in a 350°F oven for a few minutes to regain their freshly baked softness.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on preparation and ingredient brands used.
A Few Last Notes
Much like the warm memories etched in my heart, these Butterfinger Caramel Cookies are a sweet reminder of the love found in kitchens everywhere. They create joy and connection with every bite. Perfect for family gatherings or quiet nights at home, these cookies encapsulate comfort and warmth. Grab your ingredients and let’s bake together; don’t forget to share your delicious creations and pin this recipe for later enjoyment!
Ending on a Delicious Note
With these No Chill Butterfinger Caramel Cookies, sweet moments await you in the kitchen. Experience the joy of baking, savor the flavors, and spread the love by sharing a batch with friends and family. Keep the tradition alive and pin this recipe for those magical moments filled with laughter and love—happy baking!
Print
No Chill Butterfinger Caramel Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these melt-in-your-mouth cookies that combine the crunchy sweetness of Butterfinger with rich, gooey caramel for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup chopped Butterfinger candy bars
- 1/2 cup caramel bits or soft caramel candies, chopped
- 1/2 cup toffee bits (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped Butterfinger bars, caramel bits, and optional toffee bits.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look just set.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Chill the dough for thicker cookies. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Mexican Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
